I "upgraded" to Quantum from "regular" FiOS and after 3 days, I'm regretting it.
I paid for a Tech Visit to do the install in an attempt to avoid problems. He came in and did a walk-through to assess what had to be done. He went to his truck and returned with the new Quantum equipment. Before any of the old equipment was removed / disconnected, I asked about saving my (extensive) DVR Schedule to the cloud. He told me it couldn't be done because he'd already disabled all the equipment in the house. I was unhappy, but stuck.
Continuing, here's my Cons/Pros list.
Cons:
- System responsiveness is annoyingly slow. I never had a problem before Quantum. Now, changing channels involves a 2-15 second delay. Same with Quantum On Demand.
- No eSATA support for additional storage.
- On Demand ability on the IP devices intermittently gives an "unavailable message". I have to unplug/replug the device.
- When the MENU, SETTINGS, AUDIO & VIDEO, AUDIO is set to "variable", it then requires a minimum of 6 button presses to adjust volume. In that mode the remote control volume button doesn't work - it's dedicated to the TV. That wasn't true for me before Quantum. Also, in "variable" mode, the remote control MUTE doesn't work at all.
- The Quantum software (version 1.0b) is a few steps back from what I had before, IMG 1.9, because:
a) tougher to read then the IMG 1.9 black/red scheme.
b) missing the "reminder" feature.
c) missing the automatic notice that a selection joined "in-progress" is available OnDemand.
d) left arrow in the guide to go to VOD isn't available.
e) AutoPower Off setting for "never" is gone; only 1,2,4 hour choices. Not enough time to watch two long movies back-to-back on the same channel..
f) IP devices have an internal light that won''t shut off, which is annoying in a bedroom at night..
g) The "info" button used to have 3 stages: info bar, sgort info page, full info page. Now there are only two, the full info is gone.
h) Extended "CAST" info is unavailable.
It's clear that Quantum isn't the flagship service Verizon attempts to make it out to be. At best, it's a "beta version", but not at a "beta price". It should be recalled until corrections are available.
But, it isn't lall bad; there are a few minor Pros:
- AC gateway router (and additional hefty cost item) does provide a stronger signal than the older Actiontec Rev I.
- 6-tuner DVR will eliminate problems when there are more than 2 things to record, provided the IP devices aren't using the tuners. It's a total of 6 between active IP devices and recodings.
- live TV rewind
- the IP device has a clock display
The Pros do not outweigh the Cons.
I'm hoping someone at Vz reads this and can help with the "cons" - especially the "responsiveness" problems.
And to repeat myself, Verizon -- give your flagship Quantum service, the attention it needs and get the equivalent of IMG 1.9 features out there SOON!
